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Swap city lights for stars,
From waterfalls to phantom falls, cliff face climbs to cliff top strolls and skyway views to basement level bars, the Blue Mountains is brimming with attractions and activities for every mood, season and fitness level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bushwalking might be what the Blue Mountains is most famous for, but that’s only the beginning. For a bigger hit of adrenaline, try climbing, canyoning, abseiling or horse riding. If you prefer a slower pace, there are lookouts where you can watch the World Heritage-listed valleys unfold in front of you without ever needing to pull on your hiking boots.
You don’t need to be an outdoor adventurer to enjoy the Blue Mountains either. Spend the day gallery hopping, taste your way through breweries, distilleries and wineries, linger over lunch or pick up something fresh from a local bakery.
You don’t need to be an outdoor adventurer to enjoy the Blue Mountains either. Spend the day gallery hopping, taste your way through breweries, distilleries and wineries, linger over lunch or pick up something fresh from a local bakery.
A lot. Walk to a waterfall, watch the sun come up over the Three Sisters, pack a picnic, find a swimming hole or choose a lookout and watch the light move across the valley. There are hundreds of kilometres of National Park and council-managed walking tracks to explore, from short strolls to full-day hikes.
For a slower day, wander through the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah or, when it opens for the spring flowering season, the Campbell Rhododendron Gardens in Blackheath. Check what’s on at Katoomba and Springwood libraries too, both run free activity programs throughout the year.
At night, follow the free Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk after dusk to see waterfalls and cliff faces lit up in bright colours.
For a slower day, wander through the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah or, when it opens for the spring flowering season, the Campbell Rhododendron Gardens in Blackheath. Check what’s on at Katoomba and Springwood libraries too, both run free activity programs throughout the year.
At night, follow the free Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk after dusk to see waterfalls and cliff faces lit up in bright colours.
There are plenty of activities for kids in the Blue Mountains. Ride the railway into the valley at Scenic World, walk around Wentworth Falls Lake or play at the playground there, or follow the street art through Katoomba. The Katoomba Library and the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre also run activities for children and families, including art activities and school holiday programs.
Add a short bushwalk, an ice cream stop along the way, or a spin or two at the ice rink in Leura. If you’re still going after dark, finish with the free Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk.
Add a short bushwalk, an ice cream stop along the way, or a spin or two at the ice rink in Leura. If you’re still going after dark, finish with the free Katoomba Falls Night-Lit Walk.
The Grand Canyon Track in Blackheath is one of the Blue Mountains’ most famous hikes. The 6.3km loop descends through sandstone walls into rainforest, following Greaves Creek past waterfalls, moss-covered rocks and ferns before climbing back out at Evans Lookout. Walkers have been following the track since 1907.
The walk can be strenuous, with plenty of steep steps on the way down and back up, but the rewards are worth it. Allow around four or five hours to complete the circuit, and go early for a quieter experience.
The walk can be strenuous, with plenty of steep steps on the way down and back up, but the rewards are worth it. Allow around four or five hours to complete the circuit, and go early for a quieter experience.
Most Blue Mountains villages have their own mix of boutiques, bookshops, galleries, vintage stores and locally made gifts, each with its own flavour. For the practical stuff like major supermarkets, Bunnings, and a Kmart K-Hub, head to Katoomba.